Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto

Karma can be a misunderstood term in our world since it has crept into our everyday conversations with "good karma" and "bad karma". But for Buddhists, it is an important part of the religion because it is something one wants to both transform, and ultimately end creating karma that keeps them bound to the cycle of rebirth. Enlightened beings, such as the Buddha, created Karma 'without outflows' meaning it is the karma of an enlightened being who is no longer creating karmic actions that are unskillful and reinforcing (and binding) the false idea of a permanent 'self'. Instead, it is karma where one has a clear and fundamental understanding of the world and how to properly interact in it. Have a question or comment? Send me a message at alanpeto.com/contact

7 Mar 202223min

The "Threefold Training" is based upon the Buddha's Eightfold Path to practice Buddhism that leads to enlightenment and Nirvana. It is the way to end the Three Fires of greed, anger, and ignorance/delusion which would then lead to your true state of Nirvana (which is devoid of the Three Fires). The Threefold Training is practiced by the different Buddhist traditions in different ways but can ultimately be found in all the different practices, rituals, ceremonies, and other things found within them. Send me your question or message: https://alanpeto.com/contact

28 Feb 202223min

The world-famous Buddhist monk Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh passed away in January 2022 at the age of 95. He left behind a legacy of monasteries, local groups, books, and millions of followers. In this episode, I'd like to reflect on what I feel is some of his key teachings and some things that are often overlooked by Westerners about him. If you are new to him and would like a book recommendation, "The Heart of the Buddha's Teachings" (https://amzn.to/3rDtSGJ) is one of his most popular introductory books on Buddhism. The other book I mentioned in this podcast about Pure Land Buddhism is called "Finding Our True Home" (https://amzn.to/3slw4Sg). Read my article on Thich Nhat Hanh: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/thich-nhat-hanh-life-lessons/ Send me your question or message: https://alanpeto.com/contact As an Amazon Associate, the link to the books above is on Amazon and provides Alan a small commission if you choose to purchase. This does not affect the price to you.

5 Feb 202225min

The Buddha taught that our existence is marked by impermanence, dukkha, and the illusion of self.  He wasn't telling us this to make us sad, but to spur us into action.  The only permanent thing is "impermanence", but we fail to utterly understand that, and along with the belief we have a permanent, unchanging, and independent "self", we create the actions (Karma) that trap us in the cycle of rebirth which is - you guessed it - dukkha ("suffering").  Through his teachings, he helps us break down the belief in "self", understand impermanence and dependent origination, which helps us change our Karmic actions to ones that don't bind us in rebirth, helps us realize our true peaceful state of Nirvana, and allows us to end Dukkha and the cycle of rebirth.

25 Jan 202222min

The most widely practiced form of Buddhism is the cultivation of merit. Merit creates the wholesome conditions that are conducive to the Buddha's path towards enlightenment. Because enlightenment is often not possible in our lifetime and is difficult for laypersons, the Buddha created the practice of merit to help create these future conditions. It is practiced both by laypersons and monastics as a mutually beneficial and symbiotic practice. While this practice is often not known or practiced by Westerners, it is one that is within the Buddhist teachings, scripture, and is a wonderful way to progress on the path.

15 Jan 202220min

With a new year upon us, it can be a perfect time to reflect upon why we are Buddhists and re-invigorating our determination and effort to practice. The Eightfold Path, and the Threefold Training that derives from it, provide us the foundation to practice Buddhism so that we can liberate ourselves from the unsatisfactoriness (Dukkha) of the cycle of rebirth (Samsara) by realizing our true mental state of Nirvana. Read the article here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/buddha-mind/ And learn about Buddhist practice here: https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/daily-buddhist-practice/

31 Des 202120min

Merry Christmas! Can a Buddhist celebrate Christmas? Yes, with a Buddhist mindset. Learn how Buddhists can demonstrate the shared values of peace, love, kindness, compassion, and charity, and allow it to fill your heart and mind. Alan's Buddhism and Christmas articles and videos: https://alanpeto.com/tag/christmas/

25 Des 202116min

Enlightenment captures the imagination of Westerners and beginners that are new to Buddhism.  But what exactly is "enlightenment" or "awakening" in Buddhism, and what does it mean to you as a practitioner?  Learn about "Bodhi" in Buddhism, why it's important, and why becoming enlightened in this life won't happen (but that doesn't mean you aren't making progress!).   Learn more in my article and video:  https://alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-enlightenment/

14 Des 202124min